Report: Manchester City agrees to pay €50M release clause for Aymeric Laporte

Pep Guardiola isn't there just yet, but Manchester City is already making moves to prepare for the Spanish tactician's arrival.

Spanish newspaper EITB, via the Guardian, reports the Citizens have agreed to pay the €50-million release clause necessary to pry 21-year-old French defender Aymeric Laporte away from Athletic Bilbao.

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The young centre-back, who is in the midst of recovery from a gruesome broken leg and dislocated ankle suffered during an Under-21 match in March, has long been rumoured to be Guardiola's top defensive target.

"(Laporte) is a specific request of Pep Guardiola," claims the report from the Basque outlet.

Despite his tender age, the Frenchman is in his fourth season with Bilbao, making 149 appearances and scoring 7 goals in that time.